1&#39; ,3&#39; -dihydroxy steroid-5-enes method of preparing same and their use for preparing 1&#39; -hydroxy-25-hydrogen vitamin d compounds

ABSTRACT

1 Alpha ,3 Beta -DIHYDROXY STEROID-5-ENES ARE PREPARED BY THE REDUCTION OF 1 Alpha -HYDROXY- AND 1 Alpha ,2 Alpha -EPOXYSTEROID-4,6-DIENE-3-ONES AND CORRESPONDING 6-SUBSTITUTED STEROID4-EN-3-ONES WHERE THE 6-SUBSTITUENT IS A REDUCTIVELY ELIMINATABLE ATOM OR GROUP WITH AN ALKALI METAL/LIQUID AMMONIA OR ALKALI METAL/LIQUID AMINE REDUCING AGENT IN THE PRESENCE OF A PROTON SOURCE. The conversion of such dihydroxylated steroids to therapeutically useful new 1 Alpha -hydroxy vitamin D derivatives and related compounds is also described, as are pharmaceutical compositions and applications of these new compounds.

United States Patent n 1 Hesse et al.

[ Aug. 26, 1975 [76] Inventors: Robert Henry Hesse; Ezzio Rizzardo, both of 49 Amherst St., Cambridge, Mass. 02142; Derek Harold Richard Barton, 47 Onslow Sq., London S.W. 7, England [22] Filed: May 21, 1973 [2|] Appl. No.2 362,339

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuationin-part of Ser. No. 322,462, Jan. 10,

1973, abandoned,

[52] US. Cl. 260/397.2; 260/239.55 R [51] Int. Cl. C07C 169/52 [5 8] Field of Search ../Machine Searched Steroids [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,741,996 6/l973 DeLuca et al. 260/3972 OTHER PUBLICATIONS Djerassi-Steroid Reactions (1963), pages 313, 634 and 639.

Primary Examiner-Elben L. Roberts Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Bacon & Thomas 5 7 ABSTRACT la,3B-dihydroxy steroid-5-enes are prepared by the reduction of la-hydroxyand la,2a-epoxysteroid- 4,6-diene-3-ones and corresponding 6-substituted steroid-4-en-3-ones where the 6-substituent is a reductively eliminatable atom or group with an alkali metal/liquid ammonia or alkali metal/liquid amine reducing agent in the presence of a proton source. The conversion of such dihydroxylated steroids to therapeutically useful new la-hydroxy vitamin D derivatives and related compounds is also described, as are pharmaceutical compositions and applications of these new compounds.

6 Claims, N0 Drawings laJB-DlI-IYDROXY STEROID-S-ENES METHOD OF PREPARING SAME AND THEIR USE FOR PREPARING la-HYDROXY-ZS-HYDROGEN VITAMIN D COMPOUNDS CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation-in-part of US. application Ser. No. 322,462, filed Jan. It). I973 and now abandoned.

This invention relates to a process for the preparation of la, 33 dihydroxy steroid-S-enes. which are important intermediates in the synthesis of la-hydroxy vitamin D derivatives.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION la-hydroxy vitamin D derivatives having also a 25- hydroxy group are known to possess advantageous biochemical properties which render them of considerable use in therapy. Thus they are both quicker acting and more quickly eliminated from the system than the corresponding lot-unsubstituted compounds, and as a result are less likely to induce vitamin toxicity than the conventional vitamin D compounds, which are only slowly eliminated from the system. Furthermore, the

hydroxylated derivatives are often effective in alleviating symptoms of apparent vitamin D deficiency which do not respond to treatment with the conventional vitamins.

Such la-hydroxy vitamin D derivatives may be prepared by analogous techniques to those employed in the synthesis of the corresponding la-unsubstituted dcrivatives, particularly by photochemical degradation of la,3[3dihydroxy steroid-5,7-dienes of the cholestane series using UV irradiation.

Useful precursors for the la,3B-dihydroxy steroid- 5.7diene starting materials are the corresponding steroid-S-enes, since these may be readily converted to the 5,7-diene by. for example. bromination at the 7- position followed by dehydrobromination. The synthesis of such la,3B-dihydroxy steroid-S-enes, however, gives rise to a number cot problems since it is generally necessary to introduce the la-hydroxyl group by a Michaeltype addition to a A"'-'-3-ketosteroid. Thus subsequcnt formation of the desired 5.6-double bond is made difficult by the tendency of the la-hydroxyl group. which is situated ,3 to a carbonyl group, to eliminate, while it is also difficult to reduce the 3-keto group to a 3B-hydroxy group with high stereospecificity using known techniques.

A synthetic route to la-hydroxycholesterol is described by Pele and Kodicek (J. Chem. Soc., I970 (C), I624), this involving epoxidation of ofi-hydroxy-fiacholestl -en-3-one. reduction of the product to the l .2- epoxy-3B-hydroxy derivative using sodium borohydride, elimination of the 'bfi-hydroxyl group to give the corresponding A""";steroid, and reduction with lithium aluminium hydride to give the la,3B-diol. The product obtained by this method does not, however, exhibit the expected physical properties; thus the optical rotation is given as [01],, (l i l (in MeOH), whereas A sterols are normally characterised by a fairly substantial negative specific rotation, typically about -30". Also. the found atomic analysis figures of C, 76.2. H ll.l /1 do not agree well with those calculated for c. H...=0 0.5H o (C 78.8; H l l.57r) and the structure of this product must therefore be regarded as open to doubt. One possible source of error is the borohydride reduction of the 3-keto group. which may well give a significant amount of the 3121-0! in addition to the desired 3B-ol.

A somewhat similar synthetic route to the steroid precursor for l0:,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol has been described by DeLuca and co-workers (Tetrahedron Letters 40, 4147, 1972). These workers epoxidised the appropriate steroid -l-en-3-one-6-(ethylene ketal) and then reduced the product with lithium aluminium hydride to yield a mixture from which only the la,3oz-diol could be separated. Several additional process steps, involving oxidation to the 3-one and reduction with sodium borohydride. were therefore necessary to yield the la,3B diol before removal of the 6-ketal grouping, reduction to the o-hydroxyl compound and dehydration to give the A -steroid could be effected, making the overall route somewhat cumbersome.

There is thus a need for a simpler method of preparing la,3B-dihydroxy steroid-S-enes which permits ready control of the stereochemistry of the products, particularly at the 3-position. and it is an object of this invention to provide such a method.

Other objects. advantages and aspects of this invention will become apparent from the detailed description and claims which follow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The essence of the invention is the discovery that lahydroxyand la,2a-epoxysteroid-4,6-dien-3-ones and corresponding (a-substituted steroid -4-en-3-ones where the o-substituent is a reductively eliminatable atom or group may be reduced directly to the corresponding loz,3B-dihydroxy steroid-S-enc by reaction with an alkali metal/liquid ammonia or alkali metal/liquid amine reducing agent in the presence of a proton source. Under these conditions the highly oxidised starting materials undergo sequential reduction to the desired product with substantially no isomerisation of double bonds or elimination of substituents situated B to the 3-position carbonyl group.

The process is particularly applicable to the preparation of la-hydroxy steroids of the cholestane series which are precursors for la-hydroxylated vitamin D derivatives.

The term cholestane series as used herein includes steroids having in the l7-position the C chain characteristic of cholestanes. as well as analogous compounds in which this chain is unsaturated or carries one or more hydroxy or methyl groups, these being the l7-side chains found in the D vitamins. Suitable ketone starting materials for the preparation of such la-hydroxy steroids of the cholestane series may be represented by the formula where R' represents a hydroxyl group and R, represents a hydrogen atom or R and R" together form an epoxide group R represents a reduetively eliminatable atom or group and R represents a hydrogen atom or R" and R" together form a carbon-carbon bond. and R represents a group cu. dr-iv R" CH.

where R" and R each represent hydrogen atoms or hydroxyl groups or together form a carboncarbon bond or epoxy group. R and R'". which may be the same or different. each represent a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group. and R represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group.

Reduction of a compound of formula I in accordance with the process of the invention leads to formation of a la,3,B-diol which may be represented by the formula CH 0H 3 Alkali metals which may be used in the reducing agent include lithium. calcium, sodium and potassium. lithium being the preferred metal. Liquid amines which may be used include. for example. primary. secondary and tertiary alkylamines. e.g. primary lower alkyla mines such as methylar'nine or ethylamine. di(lower alkyl) amines such as dimethylamine or diethylamine. and tri(lower alkyl) amines such as triethylamine: diamines. e.g. lower alkene diamines such as ethylenediamine or propylenediamine'. and saturated heterocyclic amines e.g. piperidine or piperazine. a particularly preferred reducing agent is lithium and liquid ammonia.

Proton sources which may be used in the reaction include ammonium and amine salts. e.g. salts derived from mineral acids. such as the halides. cg fluoride or chloride. nitrate or sulphate. Alcohols. lower alkanols such as methanol or ethanol. may also serve as the proton source. 7

The reduction is conveniently carricd out in a solvent. preferably an inert organic solvent such as cyclic ether. cg. tetrahydrofuran or dioxan or a hydrocarbon solvent such as hexane. It may be advantageous to exclude moisture and/or oxygen from the reaction system. Where a solvent is used the reduction is conveniently carried out at a temperature between the freer ing point of the solvent system and 100C. advantageously in the cold.

Various modes of addition may be employed to bring together the reactants. Thus. for example. a solution of the steroid may be added in one or more portions to a solution of the alkali metal in liquid ammonia or a liquid amine. with subsequent addition in one or more portions of the proton source. Alternatively. improved yields and/or greater ease of isolation of the reduced steroid may be achieved ifa proton source such as solid ammonium chloride is initially added to a solution of the steroid starting material and the alkali metal/liquid ammonia or'liquid amine reducing agent is then added in portions.

it is generally preferred to protect la-hydroxy groups in the steroid starting materials. e.g.' with a cleavable protecting group. since reduction of a steroid having a free loz-hydroxyl group mayresult in formation of a A- steroid as a result of internal proton transfer. Suitable protecting groups include silyl groups. for example tri(lower alkyl) silyl groups such as trimethylsilyl; such protecting groups may be introduced by. for example. reactions of the la-hydroxy steroid with the appropri ate hexa(lower alkyl) disilazane.

The la.3B-dihydroxy steroid-S-enes obtained in accordance with the invention can be converted to the corresponding 1a,}B-dihydroxy steroid-5.7-diene by. for example. conventional techniques such as bromination at. the 7-positio n. e.g. using as bromination agent an N-bromo amide. imicle or hydantin such as N- bromosuccinimide. N-bromophthalimide or dibromodimethylhydantoin. followed by dehydrobromi nation. e.g. using an amide such as dimethylacetamide in the presence of an alkaline earth metal carbonate. Alternatively dehydrobromination may be induced by treatment with trimethylphosphite or a base such as collidine. pyridine or diazabicyclooctane.

The 7.8-double bond may also be introduced using the method of Daubin et al.. eg by oxidising the la,3BhydroxysteroidS-ene to the corresponding steroid-5-en-7-one using a chromium trioxide. oxidising agent. advantageously a chromium trioxide/pyridine complex. reacting this ketone with a sulphonyl hydrazine. preferably an aromatic sulphonyl hydrazine such as p-tosyl hydrazine to yield the corresponding 7- sulphonyl hydrazone which is then subjected to Wolff- Kishner reduction conditions. cg. using an alkali metal alkoxide such as sodium t-butoxide and an alkali metal hydride such as sodium hydride. to yield the desired 5.7-diene.

It may be advantageous to protect the laand 3B- hydroxy groups. cg. by csterification to. for example. the dibenzoate. to avoid unwanted side reactions during the reaction sequence required to introduce the 7.K-tlouble bond.

The. steroid 5.7diene resulting from treatment of a compound of formula II by one of the above techniques may he represented by the formula (III) where R is as defined for formula l.

l01.35Dihydroxy-ZS-hydrogen-cholest-5,7-dienes and hydroxylprotected derivatives thereof are new compounds.

Irradiation ofsuch a compound of formula III, preferably with near-ultraviolet light e.g. of wavelength 275-300 nm, initially promotes formation of a lahydroxylated previtamin which may be represented by the formula where R is as defined for formula l. Further irradiation of the compound (IV), or treatment with iodine under mild conditions, eg at relatively low temperatures using small quantities of iodine, promotes conversion to the corresponding la-hydroxy tachysterol derivative of formula where R is as defined for formula I, which may, if desired. he reduced, for example with lithium/liquid ammonia or sodium/liquid ammonia to yield a novel lahydroxy-9.l(l-dihydrotachysterol derivative of potential therapeutic value by virtue of its vitamin D-type activity. la-Hydroxy- ).l(l-dihydrotachysterol itself is a novel compound comprising a feature of the present invention.

The compounds of formula IV also maintain a thermal equilibrium with the cis vitamin derivatives of formula where R is as defined for formula I. and may be converted into such cis vitamin derivatives by heating in, for example. an alcohol or hydrocarbon solvent. The formation of unwanted oxidised by products during this conversion may be minimised by esterification of the lat-and 3B-hydroxy groups, e.g. by conversion to the l ,3-diacetoxy derivative.

The cis vitamin (VI) may if desired be converted to the corresponding trans vitamin derivative, isomerisa tion about the 5,6-double bond readily being promoted by, for example, treatment with iodine under mild conditions.

It will thus be apparent that the la,3B-dihydroxy steroid-5-enes prepared in accordance with the present invention are valuable intermediates in the synthesis of a wide range of biologically useful materials.

The starting materials for the reductive process of the invention may be prepared by any convenient method, for example by oxidation of the appropriate B-hydroxy steroid-S-ene, e.g. using a quinol/quinone oxidising agent such as dichlorodicyanoquinone followed by treatment with a peroxide, e.g. hydrogen peroxide together with a base, e.g. sodium hydroxide, conveniently in an aqueous alcoholic medium to give a la,2a epoxide, which may if desired be converted into the corresponding la-hydroxy-compound by reduction, e.g. using zinc and an acid such as acetic acid.

The invention also includes as new compounds loihydroxy-ZS-hydrogen-vitamin D derivatives, especially la-hydroxy vitamin D and loz-hydroxy vitamin D These compounds may be in the cisor the trans-forms, and are superior in vitamin activity not only to vitamin D and vitamin D but also to the known 101,25- dihydroxy vitamin D compounds. Thus, for example, the la-hydroxy-ZS-hydrogen compounds exhibit a much more potent effect on bone metabolism; tests in the vitamin D series show that la-hydroxy-ZS- hydrogeen vitamin D is l05() times more active than unsubstituted vitamin D while la,25-dihydroxy vitamin D is only 25 times more active than the unsubstituted vitamin, These results are particularly surprising in view of previous suggestions that the 25-hydroxy group is involved in metabolism and should therefore be activity promoting. The new loz-hydroxy-25- hydrogen vitamin D compounds are also quick acting and rapidly eliminated from the system, so that the previously encountered problems of vitamin toxicity are substantially avoided by their use.

laHydroXy-ZS-hydrogen vitamin D compounds, to

ether with la-hydroxy-9,1(l-dihydrotachysterol, thus onstitute an important new class of biologically active iaterials capable of inter alia, stimulating intestinal alcium transport and bone calcium mobilisation, and harmaceutical compositions containing effective 'nounts of one or more of these compounds and methds of treatment in human and veterinary medicine inolving their administration comprise further features f the present invention.

The said compounds have important prophylactic nd therapeutic applications in the prevention or treattent of disorders such as rickets and osteomalacia and re of value in the treatment of vitamin D responsive iseases such as hypoparathyroidism, hypophosphatamia, hypocalcaemia and/or associated bone disease, anal disorders or renal failure, tetanus and hypocalcamic tetany. Furthermore, the superior activity of laydroxy-ZS-hydrogen vitamin D compounds and laydroxy-9,lO-dihydrotachysterol in comparison with onventional l-hydrogen vitamin D compounds ren ers the la-hydroxy compounds of value in the treatient of disorders such as vitamin D resistant rickets, anal osteodystrophy, steatorrhea, biliary cirrhosis and ther malfunctions of absorption, osteoporosis, secndary hypocalcaemia and /or bone disease arising om dysfunction of the liver, kidneys or gastrointesnal tract, and secondary hypocalcaemia or bone disase resulting from treatment with dilantin, barbituates such as phenylbarbitone, and related drugs, which rove refractory to conventional compounds such as itamin D,,.

In general lwhydroxy-ZS-hydrogen vitamin D comounds and la-hydroxy-9,lO-tachysterol may be adiinistered parenterally in combination with an injectale liquid carrier such as sterile pyrogen-free water, Lerile peroxide-free ethyl oleate, dehydrated alcohol, ropylene glycol or a dehydrated alcohol/propylene lycol mixture. Such compositions may be injected inavenously, intraperitoneally or intramuscularly. ln- :ctable compositions are preferably prepared in dosge unit form, e.g. in ampoules, each unit advantaeously containing 0.l200p.g, preferably containing .2-2() p.g of the active vitamin ingredient in the case f the vitamin D and D compounds; the tachysterol ompound requires doses in the upper part of the ange. The normal dosage for adult human treatment 'ill generally be in the range 0. l2()0pig per day, lower osages within this range, e.g. O.l2p.g being used in rophylaxis and higher dosages, e.g. 5-50ug being used 1 therapeutic applications.

In view of the susceptibility of la-hydroxy vitamin D ompounds and la-hydroxy-9, l O-dihydrotachysterol oxidation, we generally prefer that pharmaceutical ompositions containing these materials should include t least a trace of an antioxidant such as ascorbic acid, utylated hydroxyanisole or hydroquinone.

We have also found, to our considerable surprise, iat the la-hydroxy vitamin D compounds and laydroxy-J, l O-dihydrotachysterol exhibit significant acvity on oral administration, la-hydroxyvitamin D eing outstanding in this respect. This is completely unxpected in view of previous disclosures relating to aJS-dihydroxy vitamin D Which have indicated that ral doses of the dihydroxy vitamin have very low activ y (e.g. as determined by antirachitic activity measure tents) and that parenteral administration of the dihyroxy vitamin is necessary to achieve beneficial thera eutic results; one would normally except la-hydroxy vitamin D compounds to show analogous general behaviour to the corresponding dihydroxy vitamin in view of the similarity in the nature of the biological activity of the compounds in other respects.

The following table, however, which shows the effect on serum calcium and phosphorus levels for parathyro idectomised/thyroidectomised rats (these being male Charles River rats weighing -100 g. each test group comprising 6 rats) of oral administration of la-hydroxy vitamin D and la,25-dihydroxy vitamin D (0.lp.g/kg via a gastric intubation demonstrates that la-hydroxy vitamin D exhibits good activity on oral administra' tion, as evidenced by the rise in serum calcium level relative to the untreated controls, The table also indicates that the metabolic changes induced by lahydroxy vitamin D,-, are of comparatively short duration, the serum calcium level in the la-hydroxy vitamin D treated rats approaching closely that of the control rats within 24 hours from administration of the vitamin. This confirms that la-hydroxy vitamin D is rapidly eliminated by the system and so is unlikely to produce undesirable vitamin poisoning side effects.

Table I Effects of orally administered la-hydroxy vitamin D and on serum calcium phosphorus levels in parathyroidectomised/thyroidectomised rats The oral activity and consequent ease of administra tion of la-hydroxy vitamin D; render this compound of very considerable therapeutic value over a wide range of applications.

The new la-hydroxy compounds may, for example, be used as food supplements or components of food supplements, e.g. in combination with other vitamins. One example of such an application is in the fortification of milk, incorporation of 0.l0.5p.g of la-hydroxy vitamin D per quart of milk being of value prophylactically in the prevention of disorders such as rickets, osteomalacia etc.

Similarly, the new la-hydroxy compounds may be presented in orally administrable pharmaceutical com positions for a wide range of applications, c.g. the treatment of any of the above-mentioned vitamin D responsive or, alternatively, any of the la-hydroxy vitamin D responsive conventional vitamin D refractory diseases, particularly the long-term treatment of diseases such as osteoporosis, and prophylactic applications such as vitamin and multivitamin preparations.

Orally administrable compositions containing the new la-hydroxy compounds may, if desired, contain one or more physiologically compatible carriers and/or excipients and may be solid or liquid. The compositions may take any convenient from including. for example, tablets. coated tablets, capsules, lozenges, aqueous or oily suspensions, solutions, emulsions, syrups, elixirs and dry products suitable for reconstitution with water or another suitable liquid vehicle before use. The compositions are preferably prepared in dosage unit form.

each unit advantageously containing 0.2-20 pg. preferably *5 pg of la-hydroxy compound. The dosage of lri-hydroxy vitamin D3 employed for adult human treatment will typically be in the range 0.2- pg per day. la-hydroxy-vitamin D is given at similar doses but lmhydroxy-Q.ltl-dihydrotachysterol is given at higher doses. cg up to 200 pg/day. Tablets and capsules containing the new loz-hy droxy compounds may. if desired. contain conventional ingredients such as binding agents. for example syrup. acacia. gelatin. sorbitol. tragacanth or poly-vinyl-pyrollidone; tillers. for example lactose. sugar. lllulhk, staicli. calcium phosphate. sorbitol or glycine; lubricants. for example magnesium stearatc. talc; polyethylene glycol or silica; disintegrants. for example potato starch; or acceptable wetting agents such as sodium lauryl sulphate. Tablets may be coated according to methods well known in the art.

Liquid lwhydroxy vitamin D compositions may contain conventional additives such as suspending agents. for example sorbitol syrup. methyl cellulose. glucose/sugar syrup. gelatin. hydroxymethylcellulose. carboxymethycellulose. aluminium stearate gel or hydrogenated edible fats. emulsifying agents. for example lecithin. sorbitan monooleate or acacia; non-aqueous vehicles. which may include edible oils. for example vegetable oils such as arachis oil. almond oil. fractionated coconut oil, fish-liver oils. oily esters such as poly sorbate 80. propylene glycol. or ethyl alcohol; and preservatives. for example methyl or propyl p hydroxybenloates or sorbic acid. Liquid compositions may conveniently be encapsulated in. for example. gelatin to give a product in dosage unit form.

The compositions of the invention may contain other therapeutically useful ingredients such as calcium salts [c.g. the lactate. sodium lactate. phosphate. gluconate or hypophosphite) and/or salts of other essential trace elements such as magnesium. manganese. iron. copper. yinc and iodine and/or other vitamins such as vitamin A. \itamin 8,. vitamin B nicotinamide. pantothenic acid or salts thereof e.g. the calcium salt. vitamin B... vitamin B folic acid. vitamin C and vitamin E. Multivitamin preparations incorporating the new hydroxy compounds may be formulated in an analogous manner to such vitamin preparations employing conventional l-hy'drogen vitamin D compounds.

The activity of the new la-hydroxy compounds also renders the compound suitable for rectal administra tion. and pharmaceutical compositions for this purpose. e.g. containing an effective dose of la-hydroxy vitamin D in admixture with a conventional suppository' base such as cocoa butter or another glyceride fall within the scope of the invention.

As indicated above. it may be advantageous to incorporate an antioxidant. for example ascorbic acid, butylatcd hydroxyanisole or hydroquinone in the compositions of the invention to enhance their storage life.

The invention is further illustrated by the following detailed examples. All temperatures are in degrees ('cntigradev FXAMPLF. l

a. (holesta-l.-l.b-trien-3one Cholesterol 19.3 gins) and dichlorodicyanoquinone (3H gins) in dry dioxan (500 ml) were heated under rcfli|\ for 21 hrs. The mixture was then cooled. filtered and the filtrate evaporated to dryness. Chromatography of the residue on alumina and elution with ben /cnc, he\;nie followed by elution with benlcnc afforded the trienone as a pale oil l 1.5 gins) which solidified on standing. Physical properties of this material were appropriate.

b. la.2aepoxy'cholesta-4b-dien-3-one The trienone from (a) l gm) in ethanol (50 mls) at 0 was treated with l0i2 aqueous sodium hydroxide (025 ml) and 30)? aqueous H O: (2.5 ml). The mixture was stored at 5 overnight and then the resulting epoxide was filtered off. washed with aqueous alcohol and dried to afford the title compound (05% mgs). Recrystallization from ethanol gave colourless needles. melting point l07l()9.

c. l01.BB-dihydroxycholest-S-ene To a stirred solution of lithium metal (0.2 gins) in liquid ammonia ml) and dry tetrahydrofuran (50 mls) containing ammonium chloride (05 gms) was added a deoxygenated solution of the epoxide from (b) (4.3 gms) in dry tetrahydrofuran (Z5 mls) by drops. When the blue colour was discharged the addition of steroid was discontinued and further lithium (03 gms) and ammonium chloride (1 gm) were added followed by further addition of the epoxide solution. This sequence was repeated until all ofthe steroid had been added. At this point an additional piece of lithium (0.2 gms. total 0.8 gins) was added followed by additional ammonium chloride (total 8 gins). Most of the ammonia was then allowed to evaporate and the remaining mixture poured into ice water and extracted with chloroform. Concentration of the chloroform gave a brown gun which was chromatographed on aluminium oxide I60 gms). Elation with ethyl acetate/benzene afforded the la, 3,8diol as a glass which rapidly crystallized on addition of ethanol. Recrystallivation from aqueous ethanol afforded the title compound 1.7 gms) melting point l6l.5-l63. FOunCl'. C. 80.40. H. l l.39%ZCg7H44;02 requires C. 80.54. H. ll.52'-).

EXAM Pl .E 2

a. lwHydroxycholesta-4.b-diene-3-one The epoxy dienonc from Example ltb) 130 mgs) in ethanol l0 mls) was treated with vine dust l gm) with stirring followed by addition of 3 drops of acetic acid. The mixture was then filtered and the filtrate concen trated to dryness. Chromatography on silica gel afforded cholesta-l.4.b-trien-3-one (which could be re covered and recycled) followed by the title compound. A 3.600. 3.400. 1.675. 1.625. and L590 cm'l; 8 6.15 (Zprotons. s. H6. H7). 5.73 l proton singlet H4). 5 4.]5 (l proton. narrow multiplet. Hl).

b. I 01.3 B-dihydroxycholest-S-ene The hydroxy dienone from (a) (0.6 gins) was con verted to its trimethylsilyl ether by treatment of a solution in tetrahydrofuran (2 mls) and pyridine (2 mls) with hexamethyldisilayane l.5 mls) and trimethylchlorosilane (0.6 mls). The crude trimethylsily'l ether was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran l0 mls) and the solution added dropwise to a stirred solution of lithium metal (approx. 200 mgs) in liquid ammonia (Z0 mls). After a few minutes ammonium chloride (2 guns) was added and the solution stirred. A further portion of lithium metal (approx. mgs) was added. Again the solution was stirred. An additional portion of ammonium chloride was then added and the mixture poured into cold water. The product was isolated by extraction into ether and methylene dichloride followed by column chromatography which afforded the title compound crystallized from ethanol. melting point l5b-l6l.

After recrystallisation the melting point was ltil.5-l63. [cxl (CHCI J -38". This material was identical to the product of Example He). and on hydrogenation gave a sample of laJB-dihyclroxy-Sacholestane identical in every way to an authentic specimen.

EXAMPLE 3 a. la. 3B-dibenzoyloxycholest-S-ene laJB-dihydroxycholest--ene l.2 gms) was it. in pyridine it) mls) containing dimethylaminopyridine (2U mgs.) with benzoyl chloride (5 mls). After storage overnight at room temperature. the reaction mixture was poured into water and the product extracted with ether. washed with dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid. saturated bicarbonate solution and water. Evaporation of the ethereal portion gave the dibenzoate 1.6 gms). melting point l47l5(). Recrystallized from ethanol the product had melting point l5ll53 [01],, 24. Analy'sisz. C H O. requires C. lsllbl /r; H. 8.91%: Found: C. 80.43%. H. 4.74%.

b. l a. 3B-Dibenzoyloxycholesta 5 .7-diene A solution of the dibenzoate described in (a) (0.58

gms) in hexane ml) was treated with dibromodimethylhydantoin (0.15 gms) and heated under reflux for 25 mins. After cooling the mixture was filtered and the filtrate concentrated to a pale oil. The oil was dissolved in dry xylene (3 mls) and added dropwise to a refluxing solution of trimethy'lphosphite (d4 ml) in xylene (5 ml. Heating under reflux continued for [.75 hrs. after which time the solvents were removed under reduced pressure and the residue crystallized from acetone/methanol to give the title compound. Recrystallized from ethanol/acetone the product had melting point lol [62 01],, 8. Analysis: C H O. requires (180.88 2; H. tiblii; Found1C. k699i: H. 8.665%.

c. l a. 3/3-Dihy droxy cholesta-5 .7-diene The dibenyoate from (b) (300 mgs) dissolved in ethanol (3t) mls] and water (0.5 mls) containing KOH (on mgs) was stored at Xll under Argon for ()5 hrs. The reaction mixture was then cooled and diluted with water and extracted with ether. Evaporation of the ethereal extract gave the title compound as a crystalline solid. Recrystallization from methanol gave a product with melting point l55l58. A (ethanol) 263 (7.700); 272 l l.()()())'. 282 (11.900); 295 (7.ll()()) nm.

This product ()5 mgs.) in deoxygenated ether (H mls) was irradiated for l2 mins. using a 2llll watt Hanovia lamp surrounded by a filtered solution consisting of toluene (24 mls) and CS (4 mls) per liter of methanol. The cold solution was transferred into a flask tilled with argon and the ether removed at l). The resi due was dissolved in dcoxygcnated absolute alcohol (H mls) and heated under reflux for l.5 hrs. Biological assay carried out in Vitamin D deficient chicks indicated that the lo -hydroxy vitamin ll which was formed (A 264 ll).ll(lll)) was characteri/ed by the \cry rapid onset of physiological acti ity (less than 3 hrs.) which had previouslybeen observed only for the natural product tentatively 10.25- dihydroxy Vitamin IL.

charactcri/cd as EXAMPLE 4 a. 25-Hydroxycholesta-l.Jh-trienJ-one 25-Hydroxycholesterol (3.4 gms) and dichlorodicyanoquinone (6.5 gnis) dissolved in purified dioxan IUU mls) were heated at reflux for 20 hrs. The mixture was filtered and the solvent evaporated. Chromatography of the residue on alumina and elution with ethyl acetate and benzene afforded the trienone. Recrystallization from methanol gave the title compound. melting point 183-l84. v,,.,, 3.600. [.651) and moo cm.

b. la.2a-l-.poxy -25-hydroxycholesta-4.o-dicnfi-one The trienonc from (a) 13 gms) in ethanol (50 mls) was treated with lW r' aqueous potassium hydroxide (0.5 ml) and aqueous H 0: (3 ml). After storage overnight at room temperature. the solution was diluted with water and the solid product collected. Recrystallization from aqueous methanol gave the title compound which after one further cry stalli7ation had melting point lh2-lo3.

c. la. 3/3-25-Trihy'droxycholest-5-ene The epoxide from (b) was treated with Zinc dust and acetic acid as described in Example 2 (a) to yield l(!.2- S-dihydroxy'cholesta-4.(1tlie|1-3-onc. which was then converted to the trimethylsilyl ether and reduced with lithium/liquid ammonia as described in Example 2 (b). The title compound obtained in this way exhibited n.m.r. peaks at 6 [3.68. l.ll2 (methyl groups). 5 l.l8 (gcmdimethyl groups). 5 3.83 l l proton. narrow signal. lB-H 5 3.64.3 l proton, broad signal, 3a-H) and 5 5.57 (lproton. multiplet. (1-H EXAMPLE 5 irradiation of la.3B-diacetoxycholesta-5.7-diene 5t) mg of lafifldiacetoxycholesta-5.7-dicne (m.p. ll8l 19. prepared by reaction of laJB-dihydroxy cholesta-5.7-dienc with acetic anhydride using a method similar to that of Example 3 (a i was irradiated for ll minutes in dcoxygenatcd ether (2(10 ml). The UV spectrum of the mi\turc showed the desired increase in absorption in the region 22lb2o8 nm and a decrease in the region 268 295 nm. It was essentially homogeneous on silica gel ((HCLQ but separated into two clean spots on 1''? AgNO -silica gel-chloroform. the lower spot correpsonding to starting material in R,. The less polar material (approx. 2i) mg) had a broad UV absorption band with a flat max. around 262-272 nm (small hump at 282 and 295 nm) and a min. at 234 nm. This material comprised crude previtamin. A small amount of this mixture was dissolved in hexane and the l'\" recorded (est. conc. approx. Zl) mg per litre) This was then treated with a solution of iodinc in hexane so that the overall concentration of io dine was approximately (l4 mg. per litre and kept in diffuse light for min. The hexane solution was washed with dilute aqueous sodium thiosulphatc. thcn water. dried and the L spectrum rc-rccordcd. This showed absorptions characteristic of a tachystcrol dc rivativc (max. at 282 nm and shoulders at 272. 2 2 nm) and the absorb-ancehad increased by a factor of 2.2.

The bulk olthc crude prcvitamin was dissolved in dc oxygenated iso-octanc HI ml iv The absorbance at it: nni was U5) when a 30 ,ul aliquot was diluted to 3 ml. The solution was then heated at approumatcly under argon. for a total of 2.2. hrs. during which time the absorbance at 202205 nm increased to a max. of (l 51 a solution of the same concentration as above). As expected. the absorbance increased rapidly at first and then slowly as the equilibrium mixture was approached. Treatment of an aliquot with iodine in hexane as above revealed absorptions characteristic of tachysterol but the increase in absorbance was only from ().43 to (1,47. The equilibrated mixture was essentially homogeneous on both silica gel and l7( AgNO silica gel (developed in chloroform),

Approx. 12 mg. of the mixture was dissolved in deoxygenated methanol [.0 ml). the solution treated with deoxygenated 1.5% methanolic KOH (0.5 ml) and kept under argon at room temperature for l.5 hrs. Dilution with water and ether extraction gave the la, 3/3-diols which showed as two very close major spots on silica gel (developed with 4% McOH-CHCML The less polar fraction (approx. 5 mg)exhibited a broad absorption in the UV with a max. at 264 nm and a min. at 228 nm This was Iwhydroxy vitamin D 'l'reatment of an aliquot with iodine in hexane. as above. produced a shift in the max. to 27() nm this resulting from conver sion into 5.6-trans vitamin,

The more polar fraction had a smooth absorption band in the UV with max. at Zbtl nm and min. at 235 nm. lhis was the previtamin. 'lreatmcnt of this with iodine. as above. gave a complex UV spectrum with maxima at 168,278. 286 298. BIZ and 327 nm.

EXAMPLE (1 la-Hydroxy vitamin D Irradiation of 135 mg. of la. Bfi-diacetoxycholesta- 5.7-diene (prepared as in Example 5) in deoxygenated ether (IOU ml) for l5 minutes and separation of the products on lit AgNO -silica gel (CHCI (preparative t.l.c.) gave (18 mg. starting material (more polar l raction) and the crude previtamin (54 mg. less polar fraction)v The previtamin so obtained was heated at 75 for 2 hours in deoxygenated iso-octane l5 ml) under argon.

'l'he resulting mixture of vitamin and previtaniin was dissolved in methanol (4 ml) and the solution treated with l ml 2.5% methanolic KOH and kept at room temperature for 2 hours. Dilution with water and extraction with ether gate the vitamin and previtamin diols, which were separated on silica gel (preparative tlc.) (8'14 MeOH(HCl;,) to give 13 mg of the vitamin (R, 0.35 and 8 mg of the previtamin (R,-().3l Recrystallisation of the vitamin from ethcr-pentane gave fine colorless needles mp. l3Z-l33 (rate of heating l,I-l see). mp. 128 19 (rate of heating ll25 sec. U\' (ether) A 264 nm [11).200 A,,,,,, 22) nm l().t l)t)). |a|,, (ether) 2s. v,,,,, (CHCl 3.7(J() 3.500. l.6l)()l.(i5(l, l (l4() cm NMR (d acetone) H +H AB quartet at 5 (ill) (apparent J=l 1.5 H7). H two narrow one-proton multiples at 84.92 and 65.37 ppmv l'hc prcvitamin (A 2m) nm and A 233 nm) l l mg from two separate irradiations) was dissolved in de oxygenated iso-octane (8 ml) and heated at 75 for 1.5 hours. Isolation by preparative t.l.c. as before gave a further 4.6 mg vitamin. Decomposition occurred here and practically no previtamin remained. Analysis for la-hydroxy vitamin D EXAMPLE 7 Orally administrable la-hydroxy vitamin D compositions 5 a. la-hydroxy vitamin D capsules la-hydroxy vitamin D is dissolved in sterile arachis oil of low peroxide containing (L192 w/w liydroquinone as antioxidant to give a solution with a vitamin concentration of 4(lgg/ml. A ml portions of the resulting solu- W tion are encapsulated in gelatin by conventional techniques.

Dose 1-] capsules per day.

b, Tri-vitamin preparation Tablets comprising the following ingredients are prepared by conventional techniques:

\ilamin A 4000 u.s,p, units \ilamin 75 mg l1r-H \dro\ \itainin I), (L2 l pg The preparation may optionally alos contain l mg. of fluorine as a physiologically compatible fluoride salt Dose l tablet per day.

c. Deca-vitainin preparation (for adult use) Tablets comprising the following ingredients are pre pared by conventional techniques:

\itamin A 251ml) u.s.p. units \ilamin l'h ltl mg \itamin B: It) mg Vitamin l., 5 mg \ilamin li 5 pg 35 Vitamin Ztlll mg Irv-Hydro \itamin I lag l) italnin I I5 ll (alcium pantotllcnalc Ill mg Nicotinamltle l()(l mg lhe tablets may optionally also contain 1 mg 01 fluorine as a physiologically compatible fluoride salt and/or a mineral complex comprising the following element in the form of physiologically compatible salts:

(upper 3 mg Iodine l:'- mg Iron l3 lng Magnesium o5 mg Manganese 1 mg 1.5 v [mt mg Dose 1 tablet per day.

d. DCCU-Ylilllhll] preparation (for infants and children) 'l'ablets comprising the following ingredients are prepared by conventional techniques:

The tablets may optionally also contain a phsiologi- 1 S :ally compatible fluoride salt or mineral complex in the uantities set out in (c) above.

Dose 1 tablet per day, We claim: I. A process for the preparation of a compound of he formula wherein R represents a group of the formula wherein R" and R are each -H or ()H or together form a carbon carhon bond or epox; group R- and R are each H or ()H. and R" is H. CH; or -C H comprising treating with a reagent selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal/liquid ammonia and an alkali metal/liquid amine reducing agent in the presence of a proton source a compound of the formula wherein R is ()H and R'-' is H or R and R'- together form an epoxide group. R represents a reductively eliminatahle atom or group and R is -H or R and R together from a carbon-carbon bond and R is as de fined above.

2. The process of claim I wherein the alkali metal of the reducing agent is lithium.

3. The process olclaim 2 wherein the reducing agent is lithium/liquid ammonia 4. The process of claim I wherein ii a lahydroxylated starting material is employed. the lozhydroxy group is protected prior to reduction.

5. The process ol claim 4 wherein said protecting groups is a trialkylsilyl group.

6. la-Hytlroxy-J. l ll-dih ,'drotachysterol. 

1. A PROCESS FOR THE PREPARTION OF A COMPOUND OF THE FORMULA
 2. The process of claim 1 wherein the alkali metal of the reducing agent is lithium.
 3. The process of claim 2 wherein the reducing agent is lithium/liquid Ammonia.
 4. The process of claim 1 wherein if a 1 Alpha -hydroxylated starting material is employed, the 1 Alpha -hydroxy group is protected prior to reduction.
 5. The process of claim 4 wherein said protecting groups is a trialkylsilyl group.
 6. 1 Alpha -Hydroxy-9,10-dihydrotachysterol. 